Present tense

It is so important, when we consider Scriptural promises including this one, that we recognize God is completely engaged at all times. He DEMONSTRATES (present tense!), not demonstrated, His love for us. He IS our Father/Creator, not an aloof god of "ancient times" as some would have you believe. Beware the lies of the enemy: Ours IS the one and only God ... and those who surrender their lives to His grace will ultimately live in His presence forever!

Where there is resistance, fight!

 

“Let me share with you!”

Those words, and the deep sense of love and urgency behind them, echoed in my mind long after my head hit the pillow.

It was in the waning minutes of an online Bible study that one of my brothers spoke about the unquenchable desire he has to share the gospel with others. What struck me about his testimony was the passion demonstrated as he talked about situations where there is flat-out resistance to the message of Christ’s love.

Jason said that whether it is body language (“We’re done here”) or verbal resistance (“That’s fine for you, but I don’t believe that myth”), it is in the threatening moment of rejection that he doubles down on his effort to see a life surrendered to Christ.

Rather than “folding” in the face of resistance, Jason said he is emboldened to keep the conversation going.

(“Such meetings,” I said to myself, “are divine appointments, and my brother wisely recognizes them as such!”)

There were no details about a specific encounter, no particulars about how many people have continued to talk or how many have walked away. But those of us listening to our brother for these few minutes saw the heart of a man who was lost … and then found in Christ. We “heard” the heart of a dead man brought to life by God’s grace.

“Let me share with you!” Jason cries, rather than doing the easy thing and walking away.

To us, his brothers and sisters, he exclaims: “That’s what we are called to do!” This is a spiritual battle, we are reminded, and we are called to fight!

Have you heard the “parable” of a man who encounters another who is moving at full speed, oblivious to the damaged bridge and sure death that lies ahead? The question: “Given what the first man knows about the fate that lies ahead for the other, would he not say or do anything he could to stop him from continuing on this deadly path?”

Our “commission” as followers of Christ is to “go and make disciples of all nations,” to “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Jason’s admirable passion for witnessing to those who do not yet know Jesus Christ reminded me that the Father’s desire is that ALL would be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). As such, He fills our lives with “divine appointments” – opportunities to share the gospel and to tell how relationship with Jesus changed our lives forever.

Lord, you call us to love, yes. But also to fight, wielding the sword of the Word, delivering the Truth to those who without it face the prospect of eternal anguish and isolation, separated forever from You. Give us Your strength to step up boldly in love, trusting that the Holy Spirit will provide the specific words each lost soul needs to hear at that appointed time. Amen

God's faithfulness, His call into fellowship with Christ

My early morning included a time of listening to a few classic hymns with my wife, including the one cited below. I then went on a hike, captured this image and immediately thought of "partnering" photo and Scripture. Following are the lyrics of "Great is Thy Faithfulness," written by Thomas Chisholm in 1923. Billy Graham often used this song at his evangelism meetings. We sang it often in the churches I grew up in (see Lamentations 3:23) so there is a sentimental attachment in addition to the joy of hearing the truth about our heavenly Father.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with Thee,

Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not,

As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above;
Join with all nature in manifold witness,
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.

Thomas Chisholm, 1923

No better way to start the day

I was inspired this morning by a prayer request to create this eCard (or should I say 'Ccard,' as in Christ card?) featuring the iconic Mt. Baker and one of David's prayers as recorded in the Psalms.

What better way to start the day than to talk to the Father? And how important to embrace and covet the truth that He ALWAYS listens and will ALWAYS respond, as in "speak to you," His precious child. (Psalm 4:3: "But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him.")

How precious a gift is the Bible, God's love letters that declare His character -- and often "speak" to us in our circumstances.

Psalm 3 is often referred to as "A Morning Prayer." It features the familiar declaration: "Thou, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One Who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain."

Your countless blessings, Father, include the invitation/command to speak with You constantly as we live out this life of relationship with You. May we be reminded there is no better way to start the day than in conversation with You! May we pray with expectation, always committed to listening for Your response.